Riparian conflict and cooperation
Water resources often cross national borders. Sustainable management involves cooperation among states, yet water issues can add to political conflict. The EU-funded TRANSBASIN (Transboundary water basin management) project focused on two separate shared river systems. Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority share the Jordan River Basin, while Portugal and Spain share the Guadiana River. The consortium offered a scientific forum for exchange, including staff exchanges to participating agencies from each river system. TRANSBASIN also examined case studies of conflict and cooperation in river basin management to identify general principles. The exchanges helped participants further develop water management tools gained from previous studies. TRANSBASIN fostered stronger working relationships among Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian partners. The respective agencies already had a history of cooperation, enhanced through the joint travel and research exchanges the project organised. Exchanges were based on existing projects, which were subsequently expanded to include a trans-European dimension. Topics included stream restoration, wastewater management and ecosystem services. During the second period, the project added new partners and slightly altered its goals. The new consortium continued its focus on current management of the Jordan River Basin, and added the Guadiana River Basin. In both cases, the team identified the relevant legal frameworks and potential improvements to river management. TRANSBASIN's results helped illustrate general principles of cross-border water management, of interest to Europe.
Keywords
Shared rivers, TRANSBASIN, water management, Jordan River, Guadiana River
